Mission Statement

The Mission of Plymouth Public Schools is to challenge, inspire, and prepare all students for success in an ever-changing and complex world.

PLYMOUTH BOARD OF EDUCATION

REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11 , 2015

TERRYVILLE HIGH SCHOOL CAFETERIA

7:00P.M.

MINUTES

Present: Board: Mr. Melchionna, Mr. Perugino, Mrs. McCann, Mr. Goodwin, Mrs. Kulesa, Mrs. Johnson, Mr. Gentile, and Mr. Engle

Absent: Mr. Perugino and Mr. Orsini

1. Call to Order and Pledge to Flag

Mr. Engle called the meeting to order at 7:02p.m. and the group joined in the pledge to the flag.

2. Adoption of the Agenda

MOTION: To amend the Agenda to add an Executive Session after #5, Public Comment. Motion Mrs. Johnson, seconded Mr. Gentile; motion passes.

3. Approval of Minutes-Regular Meeting, January 14, 2015

4.

MOTION: To approve the minutes of the regular meeting of January 14, 2015. Motion Mrs. McCann, seconded Mr. Goodwin with an abstention from Mrs. Johnson; m9tion passes. ~,,

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'" Student Representatives- George Andrews; Halley King and Allison Smitfr, ..

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George Andrews- Sports Absent

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Halley King - School Activities

February 17 February 21 February 26 March 10

Leo Club Cleaning and Helping Out at Bare Winter Ball- Semi Formal-7 p.m. -10 p.m. THS Cafeteria Business Partners Sports Physicals

Information was also provided on: Support a Soldier, Kids in the Middle and Washington, D.C. Trip with Mr. Perkins

Allison Smith - Senior Activities

February 26 March 6

gth grade orientation for students 11 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. 30 hour Famine at Terryville Congregational Church Red Cross Blood Drive from 6 a.m. - 2 p.m. THS cafeteria

Retail 101 was a success.

5. Public Comment

Melanie Church- 328 Main Street Expressed her concern with the failing of the school system. Prior to passing the budget, she suggests that the Board consider cutting administrators.

6. EXECUTIVE SESSION: Discussion Concerning Proposed Employment Contract for the Superintendent Finalist. (This matter will be discussed in Executive Session)

MOTION: To adjourn at 7:10p.m. to enter into Executive Session to discuss the proposed employment contract for the Superintendent Finalist inviting Interim Superintendent, Mr. Winzler into executive session. Motion Mr. Melchionna, seconded Mr. Gentile; motion passes.

MOTION: To enter into regular session at 7:26p.m. Motion Mrs. Johnson, seconded Mr. Gentile; motion passes.

7. Appointment of Superintendent of Schools

MOTION: That the Board of Education appoint Martin Semmel as Superintendent of Schools, effective March 16,2015 and continuing through March 15, 2018, subject to the approval of the Commissioner of Education in accordance with Section 10-157 of the Connecticut General Statutes, and MOVED FURTHER, that the Board Chair be authorized to finalize and execute a contract of employment with Dr. Semmel on behalf of the Board. Motion Mrs. Kulesa, seconded Mr. Goodwin. Roll Vote: Mr. Melchionna, Mrs. McCann, Mr. Gentile, Mr. Goodwin, Mrs. Johnson, Mrs. Kulesa and the Chair all voted in favor of the motion; motion passes.

Recesss

At this time the Chair called for the following:

MOTION: To recess at 7:29p.m. in order to give the public and the Board an opportunity to meet the Superintendent of Schools. Motion Mr. Melchionna, seconded Mrs. McCann; motion passes.

8. Resume Regular Session

At this time the Chair called for the following:

MOTION: To enter into regular session at 7:40p.m. Motion Mrs. Johnson, seconded Mr. Goodwin; motion passes.

9. Presentations

A. District Improvement Plan - a general idea of the district improvement plan was presented by Mr. Winzler, Interim Superintendent, Dr. Tenney, Director of Curriculum & Instruction, Mr. Hults, Principal of Terryville High School, and Mrs. Worhunsky, Principal of Harry S. Fisher Elementary School.

B. Board of Education Budget for 2015-2016- Powerpoint Presentation was given by Mr. Winzler, Interim Superintendent assisted by Mr. Santogatta, Business Manager.

10. Communications

Mr. Engle, for the record, read a letter submitted by Mr. Santogatta, Business Manager.

"To: Mark Winzler, Superintendent of Schools From: Michael Santogatta, Business Manager Dated: January 30, 2015

Mark,

As I discussed with you on Thursday January 29, 2015 it is my intention to resign for retirement purposes effective in 90 days. This is a very difficult decision as I have developed a deep appreciation for many of the-employees of the school district, the Towns leaders and the outstanding members of the Board of Education.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation for all the opportunities that the Plymouth School District has afforded me.

Michael Santogatta"

Mr. Engle thanked Mr. Santogatta

11. Unfinished Business -None

12. New Business

A. Appointments

MOTION: To approve the following appointments: Juliette Appleman, ESL Tutor, Harry S. Fisher Elementary and Eli Terry Jr. Middle School; Regina Genest, Majorette Advisor, Terryville High School for the remainder of the 2014-2015 school year; Sarah Elise DeCarolis, Substitute Mathematics Teacher at Terryville High School. The following are all part-time tutors in the Apple Program at Harry S. Fisher Elementary School; Jodi Witham, Nancy Allen-Green; Ann Garrity; Sheila Santopietro; Jennifer Yezierski; Ellen Campbell. Nicole Decker, part-time paraprofessional in the pre-school program at Harry S. Fisher Elementary School and Laura McBaine, Systems Specialist for the Plymouth Public Schools. Motion Mrs. Kulesa, seconded Mr. Goodwin motion passes.

B. Resignation

The Personnel Subcommittee was informed of the resignation of Michael Santogatta, Business Manager for the purpose of retirement effective at the end of April, 2015.

C. Childbearing Leave

To approve a request for childbearing leave for Cayla O'Connell, Grade 2 teacher at Plymouth Center School effective on or before May 9, 2015. Motion Mrs. Johnson, seconded Mr. Goodwin; motion passes.

D. Board of Education Budget Approval for 2015 - 2016

MOTION: To approve a proposed budget of$24,285,306 for the 2015-2016 school year. Motion Mr. Melchionna, seconded Mr. Goodwin. Roll Vote: Mr. Melchionna, Mrs. McCann, Mr. Gentile, Mr. Goodwin, Mrs. Johnson, Mrs. Kulesa and the Board Chair all voted in favor of the motion. Motion passes unanimously.

E. Grade 6-8 Mathematics Curriculum

After a brief explanation by Dr. Tenney, the Board Chair requested the following:

MOTION: To approve the Grade 6 - 8 Mathematics Curriculum as presented and discussed at the Curriculum Subcommittee Meeting on Wednesday, February 4, 2015. Motion Mrs. Kulesa, seconded Mrs. McCann; motion passes.

F. Technology Grant

Prior to its approval, Mr. Trudeau, Director of Technology briefly explained the grant.

MOTION: To approve the grant for the District Technology Upgrades to Support Transition into the New Standards. Motion Mrs. Kulesa, seconded Mr. Melchionna; motion passes.

G. Memorandum of Agreement

MOTION: To authorize the Board of Education Chair to execute the Memorandum of Agreement on behalf of the Plymouth Board of Education with the Plymouth Education Association concerning the Eli Terry Jr. Middle School After School Mathematics Program. Motion Mr. Goodwin, seconded Mrs. Kulesa. Roll Vote: Mrs. McCann, Mr. Gentile, Mrs. Johnson, Mrs. Kulesa and the Board all voted "yes". Mr. Melchionna and Mr. Goodwin voted "no". Vote: 5 "yes"; 2 "no"; motion passes.

H. Terryville High School Student-Athlete Handbook

Each Board Member received a copy of the updated Terryville High School Student-Athlete Handbook.

MOTION: To approve the Terryville High School Student-Athlete Handbook as submitted. Motion Mrs. Johnson, seconded Mrs. McCann; motion passes.

13. Board Member I Committee Reports

A. Curriculum - Mrs. Kulesa, Chair- The Curriculum Subcommittee met on Wednesday, February 4, 2015 and discussed the following that were on the agenda: Review of data from Parent Survey on CCSS Implementation; Approval of 9 - 12 ELA; Curriculum Development Plan; Approval of K- 8 Math Curriculum; Common Core Survey and Assessment Reduction Grant.

B. Facilities - Mr. Goodwin, Chair - No Report

C. Finance - Mr. Melchi01ma, Chair- The Finance Subcommittee reviewed the accounts by facilities report for the month of January and will forward the same to the Town of Plymouth Board of Finance.

D. Negotiations - Mr. Gentile, Chair - The Superintendent' s contract was brought forward to the full Board for their approval.

E. Personnel - Mr. Goodwin, Chair - No Meeting

F. Policy- Mrs. Johnson, Chair- No Report

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G Safety/Transportation- Mr. Orsini, Chair- Absent

H. Education Connection- Mrs. Kulesa- No Report

14. Administrative Reports I Requests I Information

Dr. Tenney, Director of Curriculum & Instruction

The following items were addressed: Parent Workshop Series- Eli Terry Jr. Middle School from 6 p .m. - 7 p .m. Parents may register via the district website; Local Prevention Council will be the recipient of the Community Support Award from the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce; welcomed Dr. Semmel; Best Wishes to Mr. Santogatta and working Mr. Winzler has been a learning experience.

Mr. Trudeau, Director of Technology

The following items were addressed: Acknowledged Mr. Perkins and his students along with our technology group of Greg and Jason; update on the school buildings and the town; and chromebook update.

Mr. Santogatta, Business Manager

The following items were addressed: The accounts-by-facilities report was reviewed by the Finance Subcommittee prior to the Board Meeting; the need for management in the special education department; custodial overtime; legal account; budget is currently frozen; building permit applications for the solar project have been executed; issues with engineering proposals; the majority of the internal modifications at Harry S. Fisher Elementary School have been completed; outside work at Harry S. Fisher will begin once the weather breaks and the frost is off the ground; the office at Harry S. Fisher has been modified and the cabinets have been installed; and transfer of ownership of the bus company has not taken place yet. Mr. Santogatta thanked the Board for their confidence in him through his employment and it has been a pleasure to work with each and every Board Member throughout his seven years in the district.

Mr. Winzler, Interim Superintendent of Schools

Informed everyone that he has been working very closely with the Board and the consultants to move along the search for a superintendent. Mr. Winzler has already begun discussions with Dr. Semmel. The transition process now begins. He will inform Dr. Semmel how things are and what needs to be done. Postings for the Business Manager and Director of Special Education will be posted this Thursday and will indicate open until filled. Mr. Winzler assured the Board that he will continue to give the Board 100%.

15. Public Comment

Chris Simo-Kinzer- 52 Old Farm Road- Thanked Mr. Winzler for all of his efforts. Sorry to hear of Mr. Santogatta's resignation and thanked him for all his has done for the district. Mr. Simo-Kinzer extended congratulations to the new superintendent. Mr. Simo-Kinzer focused on data collection and evaluation indicating that we are creating a bureaucracy with our public school system and not focusing on teaching and more money is not going to fix this problem. Focus needs to be how to best implement the tools that we have. Disagrees with full day kindergarten. He agreed that every child is a mosaic and they are no way common.

Melanie Church- 328 Main Street- Sad to see Mr. Santogatta leave. His retirement is a huge loss for the Board of Education. Good Luck to the interim superintendent. And to the new superintendent, you will have to build trust with the people. You will need to be honest and open. Ms. Church expressed she would like to see reading, writing and arithmetic return.

Nicole Me Williams- 34 Overlook Terrace - Thanked Mr. Santogatta for stepping in when there was no superintendent. Thanked Mr. Winzler for everything that he has done during his tenn as interim superintendent. To the Board, thank you for involving the parents and the community during the process of hiring a new superintendent.

16. Board Liaisons to Schools

Mr. Perugino

Mr. Melchionna

Harry S. Fisher Elementary School Abssent

Plymouth Center School

The PTA held its meeting on February 3 wherein they discussed the pros and cons of changing their designation from PTA to PTO February 23 Pasta Fundraiser February 27 Pizza and Magic Show March 3 Stem Program March 6 Pottery Craft Night April 15 Several workshops re: fingerprinting and using the scientific

method in tracking fmgerprints

Mrs. McCann Eli Terry Jr. Middle School

No Meeting in January due to the snow February 24 Next meeting

Reminder: Spirit Wear may be purchased by using the website.

Mr. Goodwin Terryville High School

2/24 McDonalds Fundraiser from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. 3/21 Bottle Drive (location to be determined 4/9 Pasta Dinner - Lucky Cup - 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. Note: The PTA is looking for help with upcoming events. Mrs. Johnson SEPTA

12/30 01 /2015 4/2015 2119

Mr. Gentile

1/23

3/25

Family Bowling Day Best Buddies Program Workshop (to be determined) Next Meeting- Eli Terry Jr. Middle School Library @ 7 p.m.

CABE

CABE Legislative Breakfast at Tehyville High School (thank you to Mrs. Aiudi and all that helped) Day on the Hill

Highlights of some bills coming up: Senate Bill 311; House Bill 5058; House Bill 5096 deals with unfunded mandates; House Bill 5451 deals with installing cameras on special education buses; Senate Bill491 -deals with video cameras on busses for special needs children; and House Bill5229- deals with seatbelts on newly purchased buses.

17. Final Board Comments

Mr. Melchionna - Sorry to hear of Mr. Santogatta's resignation. He has been a mentor for the Finance Subcommittee and a tower of strength to the Board. Best Wishes.

Mrs. McCann- Welcome Marty. Fundraisers for the aftergrad: Car Magnets- $7.00 Ornaments- $5.00- purchase both for a price of$10.00. Appreciated those who attended the pre meeting to meet the new superintendent. The-Board realizes that everyone employed in the district is doing more with less and efforts are not unrecognized.

Mr. Goodwin- Thank you to Mr. Santogatta and best wishes for the future. Believes a 4.4% budget is not enough.

Mrs. Johnson- Welcome Marty, we have a long road ahead. Commented on the Student Leadership Conference was a wonderful experience. She thanked Lisa Aiudi, the Leo's and the Lions Club.

Mrs. Kulesa - Welcome

Mr. Gentle- Thanked Dr. Tenney and Mr. Perkins for their input regarding the Federal Drug Free Communities Grant; Mr. Santogatta you've spoiled the Board thank you for doing a wonderful job; Dr. Semmel thank you for coming aboard and Mr. Winzler, it's been an inspiration working with you on the Board.

Mr. Engle- Mr. Winzler will be here for the March Meeting. Dr. Semmel will begin officially on March 161

h. Welcomed Dr. Semmel. Thanked anyone and everyone who participated in the search for a new superintendent.

18. Next Regular Board Meeting- March 11, 2015

19. Adjournment

MOTION: To adjourn at 10:18 p.m. Motion Mrs. Kulesa, seconded Mr. Melchionna; motion passes.

Respectfully Submitted,

Mrs. Johnson Secretary Plymouth Board of Education